Wrexham have secured a first summer signing and Phil Parkinson will now be looking to add more new faces to his squad ahead of the League One campaign.
It’s rare that we see clubs announcing new signings on a Saturday.
Weekends tend to be fairly quiet in terms of confirmed signings but Wrexham bucked that trend this past weekend.
Goalkeeper Arthur Okonkwo completed his return to the STōK Cae Ras, signing a three-year contract after an impressive loan spell.
Okonkwo was simply outstanding as a loanee from Arsenal and he decided to leave the Gunners at the end of his contract this summer.
Wrexham will have no doubt faced major competition for Okonkwo but managed to get the deal done, bringing him back to the club on a free transfer.
Wrexham face Los Angeles transfer battle for Mark Leonard
With signing number one now in the building, Wrexham’s attention will quickly turn to adding more new faces in the coming weeks.
Phil Parkinson will want some midfield additions this summer having allowed Luke Young to leave the club, whilst more competition is needed for Elliot Lee.
Wrexham have been chasing a Premier League midfielder of late with Brighton and Hove Albion’s Marc Leonard on the wish list.
Reports in May suggested that Wrexham were ‘determined’ to sign Leonard with a £300,000 fee mentioned.
New claims are now emerging over Leonard’s future with transfer reporter Sacha Tavolieri suggesting that the Scot is ‘definitely’ leaving this summer.
Tavolieri claims that Danish side FC Copenhagen and even Los Angeles FC of Major League Soccer are the most interested clubs.
Those two sides now appear to be ahead of Wrexham in the race for Leonard, leaving McElhenney and Reynolds in a real transfer battle.
Players have been tempted towards Wrexham by the Hollywood influence of McElhenney and Reynolds, but LAFC can offer the real thing.
LAFC’s BMO Stadium is just south of Hollywood and the chance to made a big move to California will surely appeal to Leonard.
FC Copenhagen are European regulars too, so Wrexham are facing some major pulling power in the race for Leonard’s signature.
Leonard would be impressive Wrexham addition
Wrexham have predominantly focused on signing proven, experienced players in the Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds era.
Landing immediate performers has allowed Wrexham to rapidly rise through the leagues and Parkinson is now preparing for life in the third tier.
Wrexham would be wise to add some younger signings as well though, with potential resale value something which should be considered.
Okonkwo is a great start; a top young goalkeeper who can really kick on and develop at Wrexham after completing his move.
Leonard would be a similar kind of signing, a young prospect who can immediately make an impact for Wrexham whilst potentially bringing in money down the line.
This isn’t an easy chase for Wrexham, especially with LAFC now involved, but it’s a pursuit worth continuing.